# High School Simulator 2018 vs SAKURA School Simulator

The clearest difference is rating: SAKURA School Simulator at 4.3 against High School Simulator 2018's 3.8. SAKURA School Simulator also leads on review sentiment (84% vs 59%) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). High School Simulator 2018's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

SAKURA School Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 24K and 26K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of High School Simulator 2018's written reviews are positive against 84% of SAKURA School Simulator's.

High School Simulator 2018 ships an update every 2 weeks, SAKURA School Simulator weekly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | High School Simulator 2018 | SAKURA School Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (24K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/high-school-simulator-2018/id1244484684/reviews) | **[4.3 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sakura-school-simulator/id1439434588/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24K | **26K** |
| Positive reviews | 58.8% of reviews | **84.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 262 MB | 353 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [tomoya sugikami](https://appshunter.io/developer/887311331) | [GARUSOFT K.K.](https://appshunter.io/developer/658288080) |

## What reviewers say

### High School Simulator 2018

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/high-school-simulator-2018/id1244484684)

Experience virtual Japanese high school life with extensive character customization options. This simulation game offers an enhanced school and student experience.

**Highlights:** Japanese high school simulation, Character customization, Enhanced school environment, Enhanced student quality, 2018 version improvements

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 😊 Fun game
- 🤩 Customizable character
- 👍 No cost to play
- 🤗 Entertaining to play with friends

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤖 Robotic NPC behavior
- 🤔 Limited interactions with students
- 🙄 Lack of activities and progression
- 😒 Repetitive gameplay

**Reported bugs**

- Disappearance of weapons in recent updates
- Inconsistent behavior of police and teachers
- Graphical glitches and performance issues

**Requested features**

- Add more weapons and ways to kill
- Implement rival characters and storyline
- Expand the town and add more interactive locations
- Improve character animations and behaviors
- Introduce dating/romance mechanics


### SAKURA School Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sakura-school-simulator/id1439434588)

Experience simulated Japanese high school life in a fictional town. Interact with students, attend classes, and engage in various activities. The game blends realistic daily routines with fantastical elements, allowing for open-ended play with no set ending.

**Highlights:** Simulated Japanese high school life, Open fictional world, Character customization, Interactive NPCs, Attend school lessons, Earn in-game currency, Drive vehicles

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Awesome game
- 🚀 Addictive gameplay
- 👍 Lots of customization options
- 👍 Diverse locations to explore
- 👍 Fun roleplay opportunities

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional glitches and bugs
- 🔋 Ads can be intrusive
- 🔒 Limited character customization
- 🔒 Restricted NPC interactions

**Reported bugs**

- Character customization reset after saving
- Vehicles and characters glitching through walls
- Inconsistent police and NPC reactions
- Compatibility issues on older devices

**Requested features**

- Add multiplayer mode
- Implement marriage and family features
- Expand NPC behaviors and relationships
- Introduce more buildings and locations
- Allow customization of children characters


## Frequently asked questions

### Is High School Simulator 2018 free?

High School Simulator 2018 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SAKURA School Simulator free?

SAKURA School Simulator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, High School Simulator 2018 or SAKURA School Simulator?

SAKURA School Simulator is rated higher. High School Simulator 2018 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 24K ratings, while SAKURA School Simulator averages 4.3 from 26K ratings.

### Do High School Simulator 2018 or SAKURA School Simulator have ads?

Both High School Simulator 2018 and SAKURA School Simulator show ads.

### Which is updated more often, High School Simulator 2018 or SAKURA School Simulator?

High School Simulator 2018 ships an update every 2 weeks, and SAKURA School Simulator weekly. Most recently, High School Simulator 2018 was updated on September 24, 2026 and SAKURA School Simulator on September 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*